Metal on Metal Hip Replacement Dangers

 Posted on January 05, 2013 in Defective Medical Devices

Metal on metal hip replacements are called that because the two parts are both made of metal, the ball and the socket. When these two are put together they recreate the movement of a hip. Hip replacements are surgically implanted on deteriorated hip joints to combat pain and stiffness. This can be accomplished in one of two ways, either a hip resurfacing which reinforces the existing joint or full replacement. After being used for years, the FDA has researched claims that metal on metal hip implants are causing a variety of physical ailments.

Their research was initiated by a study conducted by British researchers at the National Joint Registry of England and Wales. Surveys uncovered that metal on metal hips require more maintenance than other types of hip replacements, be that ceramic or plastic. After being in use for five years, 6 percent of the over 30,000 metal on metal hips needed to be replaced or repaired. This is startling because only around 2 percent of the over 350,000 other types needed the same care after 5 years.

A follow-up investigation by the British Medical Journal and BBC news which provided evidence that metal ions from these medical devices could seep into surroundings areas of the body. At which point, the ions would do damage to tissue, muscle, bones and even organs such as the spleen and kidneys. This can result in painful swelling and reduced mobility. While metal on metal hips are not as common any more, they were commonplace in the last ten years because of increased durability.

If you or a loved one have suffered unnecessarily due to these types of devices, you could be eligible for monetary compensation. Contact an experienced defective medical device attorney in Cook County to discuss the particulars of your case.